Jersey Rock: Third Annual Point Pleasant Beach Battle of the Bands

Rocking The Point Pleasant Beach Band Shell on Saturday June 8!

Now in its third year, The Point Pleasant Beach Battle of the Bands is becoming a Jersey Shore musical institution. It's a family-friendly event featuring food, beer, and live music. It provides talented area bands with exposure and the opportunity to win a $1000 grand prize. It boasts an upbeat, community atmosphere that elevates an already beautiful performance venue. To call the creation and the continuation of this event a public service would be a serious understatement.

The Point Pleasant Beach Battle of the Bands was willed into existence by Chris Bozadzis of the Point Pleasant Beach Recreation Committee and the Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce. A champion of live performance entertainment, Chris worked hard to line up sponsors, vendors, and competitors. He made the connection with RAT Radio in 2022 and we were proud to work with him on the first and second Battles of the Bands. We wish we were able to work with him on the third annual Battle of the Bands, however such a collaboration is sadly no longer possible.

Chris Bozadzis passed way in late 2023.

Billy Schule of the Point Pleasant Beach Recreation Committee released a statement:

"We lost an irreplaceable force last November, rest in peace Chris Bozadzis. He was truly one of kind in the best possible way and we are all better for having known him."

He continued:

"The Battle of the Bands" was Chris' baby, and we want to keep it alive... We will have a great lineup, awesome food, awesome beer, and all of the makings for people to create their own customized Chris baseball hat."

Learn more about making your own custom Chris hat HERE.

The Third Annual Battle of the Bands will be held in honor of Chris Bozadzis. However he will not be the only person honored that night. The event will also memorialize another person: Jillian Ludwig of the band Good Morning Beautiful. Jillian performed with her group at last year's Battle of the Bands . It was the summer before her Freshman year at Belmont University in Nashville. She tragically lost her life in November after being struck by a stray bullet while walking her college track.

One cannot begin to comprehend the tremendous loss Jillian's family, friends, and bandmates now face. However, they will honor her on June 8. Good Morning Beautiful will take the stage at the Point Pleasant Beach Bandshell for a musical tribute.

The Third Annual Point Pleasant Beach Battle of the Bands will carry the weight of the loss of two great individuals who gave much to the early history of the event. There will be somber moments, but more importantly, there will also be celebration. The organizers will carry on and continue the tradition. Billy Schule said:

"We want to ensure the Battle of the Bands will live on for years to come. As Chris would say 'It's gonna be dope!'"

The Point Pleasant Beach is funded by sponsorships and donations. If you would like to help ensure the continuation of this great event, you can do so by donating HERE.

Don't miss the Third Annual Point Pleasant Beach Battle of the Bands on Saturday June 8 from 5pm to 9pm at the Band Shell at the corner of Baltimore and Arnold Avenues in Point Pleasant Beach. Admission is $5. Tune to Jersey Rock on 95.9 The RAT Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night at 11:30 pm to learn more! We'll rock some of last years winners and chat with organizers, Billy Schule of the Point Pleasant Beach Recreation Committee, Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Doug Vitale, and RAT Radio's Steve De Jacimo!

Learn more about the event HERE.

Stay on top of everything happening with this year's event and future Battles of the Bands by following the official Point Pleasant Beach Battle of the Bands Facebook page!